Borussia Dortmund are set to welcome Jude Bellingham back into the starting lineup for their Bundesliga clash against TSG Hoffenheim.
Borussia Dortmund could not have asked for a better start to 2023. And they now have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Bundesliga standings (for at least 24 hours) on Saturday as they take on TSG Hoffenheim.
The Black and Yellows will view this as a must-win game, especially since their opponents are winless since October. But BVB will have to make do without Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko on Saturday following their recent injuries. They join Julien Duranville and Mateu Morey on the sidelines. Julian Ryerson has also not made the trip to Sinsheim.
Gregor Kobel has been one of Borussia Dortmund’s top performers this season. He has hardly put a foot wrong since the turn of the year, and will start between the sticks on Saturday.
In defence, we will likely see Niklas Süle return to the starting XI after he was rested last weekend. Nico Schlotterbeck is set to start alongside him, with Hummels expected to start on the bench.
With Ryerson sidelined, Marius Wolf will likely start at right-back and Raphael Guerreiro will slot in at left-back. Thomas Meunier could also be an option.
Emre Can will keep his place in the number six role. He has been in fine form since regaining his place in the starting XI. And he will have to be wary of Hoffenheim’s counter-attacking on Saturday.
Jude Bellingham will return to the starting XI, with Salih Özcan likely to make way. The England international will be crucial to his side’s hopes of finding a way past the Hoffenheim defence. Marco Reus played a key role in Borussia Dortmund’s win over Hertha last weekend, and should start in attacking midfield.
Julian Brandt has scored in each of Borussia Dortmund’s last three Bundesliga matches, and he will be aiming to continue his excellent run of form this weekend. The playmaker is BVB’s leading scorer in the Bundesliga this season.
Donyell Malen could keep his place in the starting XI after scoring against Hertha Berlin. But if he does start, it will likely be on the left wing following Karim Adeyemi’s injury. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is another option.
Sebastien Haller is all set to start up front after being given a much-needed breather last weekend.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund lineup vs Hoffenheim: Kobel – Wolf, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Guerreiro – Can, Bellingham, Reus – Brandt, Malen – Haller